After just watching and hearing Pres. Obama's first news conference I feel it is refreshing to have such an articulate and diplomatic man at the wheel. Considering he was'nt briefed on matters discussed as nobody knew what the questions were to be, he came off with well thought out responses ad lib, on the spot. Quite contrary to the "shrub's" (small bush) knowledge, without briefing and responding with fiddle faddle and double talk. While anyone may or may not agree with his plan, he does seem to have a more clear mind on his own, without briefing. I personally can't evaluate his responses because some go right over my head. What does anyone else think about his conference ?

I thought the same thing as I was watching the news conference. I don't know if what he says and what he's doing will work or not but he sure inspired confidence with what and how he responded. He didn't evade any of the questions, he answered them in some length and detail, and the answers sounded sensible. Very refreshing. I was impressed. I sure hope he can set the country back on track.

Well Ken,Another 573 point nose dive just since your last DOW report on the 10th. I don't think this is a roller coaster, I think this is referred to as "Free Fall". I'll probably regret commenting on this thread as it borders political and I always take a thrashing for my views, but regardless of how clear, concise or articulate President Obama is, I can't see how implementing a clearly socialistic agenda is going to solve our economic problems. Even if he is doing it with the countries best interest in mind it seems like we are being steered very rapidly toward nationalism/socialism. This is very disturbing to me because capitalism is part of what has made our country great. Free market, without excessive government regulation is how our country has done so well. I'd like to give the new President the benefit of the doubt, but it seems every decision and policy change being made is promoting government intervention. What do ya'll think?Scott

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein

IAMWHATIAM.....is your name from the popeye statement? But back to the thread. There seems to be a growing general consensus to your observation about us here in the USA turning out quite closely in line with socialism. Who'd have thunk? Just had a conversation last night with a visiting friend, he was pointing out this new revelation. What are we gonna do? Where are we going to go? Where can we run, where can we hide? (taken from the lyrics of Crosby, Sills and Nash, "Four Dead in Ohio")

As long as we're quoting rock lyrics how about the Who in Won't Get Fooled Again. My all time favorite when it comes to putting too much trust in the government.

"Then I'll get on my knees and prayWe don't get fooled againDon't get fooled againNo, no!

(and it ends with…)Meet the new bossSame as the old boss"

When I used to hear this in the early 70s I would just shake my head and think…”ain’t that the freakin’ truth, man!’”. Turns out it's still true today (the new boss, old boss thing, not my being back in the 70s). ---------

I am hopeful that the 'new boss' and his administration can do the right thing to get us out of this mess. What that should be I have NO idea. That stuff is way beyond me. When I listen to both sides they both have persuasive arguments. In my heart of hearts I believe that the less government control the better. Right now I think we’re leaning too far on the side of government control and influence. But I also believe that a certain amount of control/laws are necessary.

What the correct balance should be is the question.

Oh…my mention of a roller coaster ride had as much to do with an emotional roller coaster as it did the stock market. It’s getting to the point lately that I hate to turn on the news…it used to be my favorite TV pass time. Now I just search for Family Guy when I’m watching the boob-tube.

I don't plan on running and hiding. I plan on riding out the storm, just as we all will end up doing. I too can only hope that what is being done will cure this economy. But I really don't quite understand how the government can pick and choose which businesses we bail out and which we don't. Both the recipients and the non-recipients of this bailout thing have one thing in common. They both mismanaged the right business decisions. In this world of free enterprise and free trade, in my opinion, both and all should be judged the same. Isn't it sad to think General Motors has developed an auto than can achieve nearly 100 MPG, but that it is only being offered in Europe. Are they not turning their backs on so much revenue that could be obtained right here in the USA, but we still are ready to bail them out. Boy oh boy, I am very reluctant to offer views on subjects like this, because when discussing religion and politics you already are juged out by 50 per cent.

First, my answer to Catfish. You hit the nail on the head. When I was contemplating screen names I was torn between Spinachman and IAMWHATIAM. Don't ask me what thought process I was using at the time as I really have no idea.

In regard to your comments about the government picking and choosing who gets bailed out and who doesn't, I feel government has been to quick to throw the life line to these companies. When a company fails either because it is poorly run or its' products are no longer in demand, it is called creative destruction. It is the natural order of things in a capitalistic economy. A company fails, its assets are sold off, employees must retrain and find other work (and I sympathize with these folks, this is a place where government SHOULD help), new products develope and other businesses begin. The problems develope when government regulation and influence becomes so great that it begins to control the market dynamics. Obviously there has to be some government regulation, however when they start controlling the business decision of banks and major manufacturing corporations, they are getting to involved for my liking. Besides, I find it very ironic that we have congressional committees drilling CEO's about how poorly they have run their business when those same congressmen have been key players in running up our 10+ trillion dollar budget deficit.

Ken, I'm right there with you. There are days when I hate to even watch the news because the more I watch the more I feel my kids future is going down the tidy bowl whirlpool. I lean toward watching old movies and try to forget the world for a few minutes. The reference to "Free Fall" is a ride at Six Flags Magic Mountian in CA. They drop you about 150 feet and your gut feels like it is trying to exit through your moulth. And beleive me a lot of stress and emotions are going though your head for that 5 second drop.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein